them. I’ve invited them for Christmas morning and they were more than happy to accept. Since I don't know them I offered to pay for their trip as a present to them as well. They refused at first but when I wouldn’t back down they graciously accepted. Colin has no idea they will be showing up and I’m really excited for him. I’m also super nervous to meet them, especially on a holiday, but I figure better now than later. The offer on the house was accepted and I will be a proud home owner in thirty days. The closing is scheduled at the end of January.
Since the house is currently vacant the realtor gave me the lockbox code so that Christmas day I can bring Colin and his parents for a tour of our new home. The shop’s been steadily gaining business and everything in my life seems to be seamlessly falling into place. It’s a strange feeling really. Some days it overwhelms me and others I feel on top of the world. Even on my off days I’m alright though, Colin’s support of me and love never falters, acting as an invisible pillar there to catch me if I fall.
RYAN
“If you don’t stop whining I’m going to let John here, show you what happens to people who behave like children.” Alister barks at me.
“There has to be some other way for me to pay you back. We can work something out yeah?”
“Ryan, family or not, you do not receive special treatment. I’m sick of your fucking excuses. First it wasn't a problem, then it was you’d get money in the divorce. Now you want a payment plan?” Alister’s sneer makes my skin crawl. No one knows that we’re related and I’d like to keep it that way considering his reputation is less than clear. I owe him tens of thousands of dollars at this point and my family status isn't going to keep me safe from his wrath for much longer. I’m willing to do anything for some cash.
“Elle is still an option. She has the funds.” I state.
“Need I remind you that Elle is no longer your wife?” He clips.
“That doesn't mean I can't extort it from her.”
“As if you’re capable of that Ryan.” The rage that drips from his words irritates me.
“Give me a month.” I plead.
“A month! You don’t deserve another day.” He growls at me.
“Alister, give me a month.” I try again. He stares me down before glancing at his bodyguard John.
“As you wish. I will give you one month as well as something to remind you of your commitment.” He turns on his expensive heel and leaves the room. I let out the breath I’d been holding and wait for John to open the door for me.
Before I realize what’s happening the sickening crack of my rib fills the air and my lungs feel like they’ve deflated as John’s fist connects with my side. With a thud my knees hit the floor while I clutch my side. My body struggles to absorb the air around me but I can’t do anything but gasp.
“Let that be a warning.” John snarls down to me. His boot comes to my chest and kicks me from my knees the rest of the way to the floor.
“Fuck you.” I manage to spit back before he leaves me where I lay on the floor.
JENNA
“Ben! Put that down. How hard is it to set a table for Christ’s sake!” Ben, John and Colin stare at me a beat before bursting into laughter. “What?”
“You said for Christ’s sake...it’s Christmas Eve... get it?” Laughter bubbles up from Elle as she joins the boys teasing at my expense.
“Alright, alright...it was punny, now...set the damned table.” I don’t think it was the pun retort that set everyone off again but I’ll be damned if I give a shit.
The guys manage to set the table and entertain Sarah while Elle and I finish pulling dinner together. Elle’s gone all out trying to make Christmas Eve dinner something special. There are delicious smelling floral arrangements decorating the apartment, which is spotless, and enough food on the menu to feed an army. I hand Colin another bottle of wine to open and set out before joining Elle in carrying
Since the house is currently vacant the realtor gave me the lockbox code so that Christmas day I can bring Colin and his parents for a tour of our new home. The shop’s been steadily gaining business and everything in my life seems to be seamlessly falling into place. It’s a strange feeling really. Some days it overwhelms me and others I feel on top of the world. Even on my off days I’m alright though, Colin’s support of me and love never falters, acting as an invisible pillar there to catch me if I fall.
RYAN
“If you don’t stop whining I’m going to let John here, show you what happens to people who behave like children.” Alister barks at me.
“There has to be some other way for me to pay you back. We can work something out yeah?”
“Ryan, family or not, you do not receive special treatment. I’m sick of your fucking excuses. First it wasn't a problem, then it was you’d get money in the divorce. Now you want a payment plan?” Alister’s sneer makes my skin crawl. No one knows that we’re related and I’d like to keep it that way considering his reputation is less than clear. I owe him tens of thousands of dollars at this point and my family status isn't going to keep me safe from his wrath for much longer. I’m willing to do anything for some cash.
“Elle is still an option. She has the funds.” I state.
“Need I remind you that Elle is no longer your wife?” He clips.
“That doesn't mean I can't extort it from her.”
“As if you’re capable of that Ryan.” The rage that drips from his words irritates me.
“Give me a month.” I plead.
“A month! You don’t deserve another day.” He growls at me.
“Alister, give me a month.” I try again. He stares me down before glancing at his bodyguard John.
“As you wish. I will give you one month as well as something to remind you of your commitment.” He turns on his expensive heel and leaves the room. I let out the breath I’d been holding and wait for John to open the door for me.
Before I realize what’s happening the sickening crack of my rib fills the air and my lungs feel like they’ve deflated as John’s fist connects with my side. With a thud my knees hit the floor while I clutch my side. My body struggles to absorb the air around me but I can’t do anything but gasp.
“Let that be a warning.” John snarls down to me. His boot comes to my chest and kicks me from my knees the rest of the way to the floor.
“Fuck you.” I manage to spit back before he leaves me where I lay on the floor.
JENNA
“Ben! Put that down. How hard is it to set a table for Christ’s sake!” Ben, John and Colin stare at me a beat before bursting into laughter. “What?”
“You said for Christ’s sake...it’s Christmas Eve... get it?” Laughter bubbles up from Elle as she joins the boys teasing at my expense.
“Alright, alright...it was punny, now...set the damned table.” I don’t think it was the pun retort that set everyone off again but I’ll be damned if I give a shit.
The guys manage to set the table and entertain Sarah while Elle and I finish pulling dinner together. Elle’s gone all out trying to make Christmas Eve dinner something special. There are delicious smelling floral arrangements decorating the apartment, which is spotless, and enough food on the menu to feed an army. I hand Colin another bottle of wine to open and set out before joining Elle in carrying
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